FEATURED

Groups like Frontlynaz are the reason I’m so mad that Christian music doesn’t have more exposure or the respect it deserves. And if you’ve never heard of the Fronlynaz consider this your official introduction. Bringing a decidedly West Coast awareness to their East Coast style, “Game Over” is an album that is steeped in urban culture, boasts solid production, and offers hard-hitting lyrics that actually have substance. Not to mention, these boys walk and spit with a grace-saturated swagger that is a feast for the ears.

“Clap At Em” starts out and sets the tone for the album. Rigz guests on the track and his presence adds a certain measure of depth. “Like Dat” sounds like it could have been produced by Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, but it features a decidedly Christian message. Title track “Game Over” boasts a crisp beat while slowing things down a bit for the listener. “Gunz Down” bangs. No pun intended. Okay, pun intended. Taking a look at the consequences of foolishly trying to live a gangsta lifestyle, Frontlynaz show it for what it really is—dumb. “Friends No More” is a piece that speaks about what it is like to turn to Christ and lose one’s friends in the process. “Worship,” Da Banga,” and “Lyna Anthem” are all dope and merit multiple spins. “Lights Out” is the hardest-hitting track on the album. “Witness This” calls out thug rappers who have inundated the culture with mindless messages that have made today’s youth act mindlessly. It had me laughing and contemplative at the same time.

There are only a few tracks that didn’t resonate with me, such as “Survival Of The Fittest” and “Day By Day.” They might sit well with others, but they just seemed to pale in comparison to the rest of the album, lyrically and musically.

“Game Over” is an album that belongs in your collection. These talented emcees are poised to take over the Christian rap world if they continue making music like this. They’ve got the talent and cultural sensibilities of acts like Black Eyed Peas and Mos Def and the delivery of 4th Avenue Jones or L.A. Symphony.

I recall it vividly. Nearly ten years ago, a cheap, old laptop in front of me; cables running around just to connect to a power source and our spotty internet connection, I heard "Jesus Muzik" for the…